“To make a profound impact on the vast needs of those on the spectrum.” This simple statement represents the core mission of the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Since its founding in 1993 through the generosity of the Beatrice and Samuel A. Seaver Foundation, the Seaver Center has evolved into a world-renowned institution, recognized for its “genetics-first” approach, groundbreaking discoveries, and clinical trials, significantly contributing to the understanding and treatment of autism.
This November, Mount Sinai hosted the Seaver Celebration, a fundraiser that highlights the Center's vital role in autism research and treatment, while recognizing the steadfast loyalty and generosity of the friends and partners whose support has been essential to its many achievements. More than 150 guests attended the celebration at The Metropolitan Club, raising $255,000.
During this year's celebration, Joseph D. Buxbaum, PhD, MSc, was honored for his extraordinary leadership over the past 28 years at the Seaver Autism Center. Dr. Buxbaum's contributions have reshaped knowledge regarding the molecular and genetic underpinnings of autism and have been instrumental in developing new treatments, positively impacting the lives of countless families.
Alex Kolevzon, Clinical Director of the Center, said, “Joe is responsible for the entire vision of the Center. Where we are today is a function of Joe’s leadership, of Joe’s vision. The whole field of autism is where it is today in large part because of Joe.”
In the words of parent and advocate Alison Singer, “Joe Buxbaum is a great gift to the autism community, to autism scientists, and to autism parents.” Also the Co-founder and president of the Autism Science Foundation, Ms. Singer continued, “He has this amazing ability to not only conduct science, but to communicate it to families in a way that helps us understand why the science that he’s focused on is going to lead to meaningful change.”
That meaningful change is distinguished by the Center’s innovative bench-to-bedside methodology, developing pre-clinical research findings from the lab into personalized care for patients on the autism spectrum and their families. The Center has transformed the landscape through innovative research, leading-edge drug development, compassionate clinical care, impactful advocacy and outreach, and education and training programs for future autism clinicians and scientists.
See how the dedicated team at the Seaver Center is making this life-changing work possible:
